How to Start an Xcode Project Linked to GitHub the KISS Way

Discover the simplest and most effective approach to link your Xcode project with GitHub while ensuring you maintain a clean repo structure.
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The KISS Way to Start an Xcode Project Linked to GitHub

Starting a new Xcode project is exciting, but for many newcomers, linking that project effectively with GitHub can seem like a daunting task. The foundational question arises: How do I start an Xcode project that is neatly connected to a GitHub repository without complications? In this post, we’ll guide you through a straightforward approach that adheres to the KISS principle — Keep It Simple, Superhero — while ensuring best practices are upheld.

Understanding the Problem

When you create a new project in Xcode, it presents you with a default option to create a local Git repository on your Mac. However, if you want to version control your project using GitHub, you could end up unwittingly creating two separate repositories — one on your local machine and another on GitHub. This leads to confusion, especially for those who are new to Git and GitHub.

Common Questions

What happens if I have two repos with different files?

Should I worry about commits being made automatically before I set up a .gitignore file?

These questions are crucial, and addressing them will help you streamline your workflow.

Step-by-Step Solution

Let's break it down into simple steps that guide you through the process of linking your Xcode project to GitHub effectively.

Step 1: Create a Repository on GitHub

Begin by creating a new repository on GitHub:

Log into your GitHub account.

Click the “New” repository button.

Fill in necessary details such as repository name, description, and set it to public or private as per your requirement.

Don't initialize a README, .gitignore, or License here. We'll add those later.

Step 2: Clone Your Repository Locally

Next, you will clone this repository to your local machine. You have a couple of options here:

Using GitHub Desktop:

If you prefer a graphical interface, simply download GitHub Desktop, sign in, and clone the repository from there.

Using Terminal (Command Line):

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Step 3: Create Your Project in Xcode

Now that you have a local clone of your repository:

Open Xcode and create a new project.

As you save the project, ensure you save it inside the cloned repository folder.

Adjusting the Project Structure

After creating your project, you may notice that the folder structure can be a bit cumbersome (e.g., MyGame/MyGame/...). To clean this up:

Open Terminal and navigate to your project directory.

Use the following command to rename the unnecessary subfolder:

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Your project structure should now appear as MyGame/src/....

Step 4: Initialize Git and Make Your First Commit

Now you should be ready to initialize Git and make the first commit:

Open Terminal within your project directory (or navigate to it if you haven’t).

Add files to your commit:

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Commit the changes:

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Step 5: Add a .gitignore File

It’s essential to set up a .gitignore file to prevent unnecessary files from cluttering your Git repository:

Create a .gitignore file in your project folder.

You can add common Xcode and Swift ignores, such as:

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Step 6: Push Your Changes to GitHub

Finally, to sync your changes with the GitHub repository:

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Replace main with master if you are using the default branch name as such.

Conclusion

Linking your Xcode project to GitHub doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these steps, you can streamline your setup, minimize errors, and ensure you're adhering to best practices! With these cle

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